Inter Miami signs Casemiro amidst MLS investigation
Inter Miami has officially signed former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, but the move has prompted an investigation by Major League Soccer (MLS) into allegations of tampering. The club announced the signing of the 34-year-old Brazil international on a deal that extends until the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to prolong it until June 2029.
Moments after the announcement, the MLS released a statement indicating it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against Inter Miami. The league stated it is “gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete.”
The investigation is connected to the discovery rights for Casemiro. MLS regulations grant a specific club the first opportunity to sign a player if they wish to join the league. Los Angeles Galaxy held these discovery rights for Casemiro, but Inter Miami stated they had acquired these rights from the Galaxy as part of the transfer agreement.
The LA Galaxy confirmed a settlement had been reached with Inter Miami for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro. However, the terms of this settlement will be disclosed once the tampering investigation by Major League Soccer concludes.
Casemiro’s move to Miami and previous club history
Casemiro expressed his motivation for the move, stating, “What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow.” He added that the project presented by the club and the effort made to bring him to Miami were significant to him.
The midfielder departed Manchester United after four years at Old Trafford. During his tenure with United, he made 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists. His achievements with the club include winning one EFL Cup and one FA Cup. He also played a role in the United side that reached the Europa League final in May 2025.
Before his time at United, Casemiro secured five Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He also represented Brazil, participating in the World Cup where the team reached the last 16.
At Inter Miami, Casemiro is expected to join former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina internationals Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. The club’s co-owner, Sir David Beckham, remarked that Casemiro is a “winner who has achieved so much in the game.”
MLS scrutiny and club’s past issues
This is not the first instance of Inter Miami facing scrutiny regarding transfer dealings. In 2021, the club was fined after violating MLS rules during the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus the previous year.
The MLS determined that Matuidi had received a salary exceeding the permitted amount, effectively giving Inter Miami more “designated players” than the allowed three. The “Beckham rule,” introduced when the former England captain joined Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, allows for designated players’ wages not to count towards the MLS salary cap.
In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United has focused on strengthening its midfield. The club has added Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Casemiro’s contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029.
Source: bbc.co.uk
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